Opinions: Choosing a Springer - TRP or Operator?

How's this for a dilema - I'm in the market for another 1911. Springfields have always held a spot in my heart. I'm torn between two guns: a bone stock stainless TRP or a lightly customized MC Operator.

Operator: I don't really have a need for a tac light, but wouldn't mind having the option as I can use the light from my duty gun. I do like the fact it has the GI plug. This Operator has had the frame coated to match the slide, which is something I would probably do if I bought a new one. I don'care much for the MC green. I think I'd miss checkering, but this one has a serrated front strap. I don't like MIM parts, so would probably change those out.
Holsters will be an issue because I like custom and have no patience.

TRP: I like the idea of a little more hand work on the TRP. I don't care much for stainless autos, but it's not a deal breaker. I don't care for the FLGR and would probably swap out for a GI plug from Brownells. I like the checkering, but have heard that the 20lpi can be agressive. I don't like MIM parts, so would probably change those out. I like the idea of taking advantage of the plethora of 1911 holsters on the market and in my box.

Prices are about the same on both. They are both used.

This would be a range gun, CCW, whatever gun. I am a pretty large guy so concealment is not an issue.

Before anyone suggests a TRP Operator - I already have a full rail safe queen!

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Sounds like you are leaning to the Operator. Sound like with either, you might end up getting the frames refinished.. checkering added to the Operator or a black finish added to the stainless (after you lightly soften the 20lpi) :D

I'm slowly changing my mind about the MIM parts. As as Engineer at Boeing, I am also skeptical of this relatively new process. I think it is going to come down to, WHO is making the parts. A crap machinist can make scrap out of a block of steel so billet is not always the answer. What I've read says, a MIM part with have over 95% density of a block part. The tensil and compressive strength numbers I've read for steel MIM are outstanding. For part strength, I'll take a steel MIM part over Aluminum ANYDAY. The basic rule of thumb is. AL weighs 1/3 steel. AL is 1/3 strong as steel. So a steel part at 95% is going to be nicely strong.

U-235

June 1, 2010, 11:29 PM

I own an Operator and have been very happy with it. It is by far my most accurate handgun, I've put about a thousand rounds through it with just one hiccup that was my fault (limpwristed while shooting weak hand). I think you'd be happy with either one.

cottonmouth

June 2, 2010, 09:53 AM

I have an older Operator with the full length dust cover and it has been 100% after thousands of rounds. The ONLY time it failed was when I loaded some .45's down to where she wouldn't cycle, then went back up to get the lightest load I could shoot. Great guns, both of e'm!

J.B.

Sapper771

June 2, 2010, 10:36 AM

I have a TRP ArmoryKote. If I carry a 1911, I carry it.

I use to have an MC Operator. It was a very nice pistol, but it couldn't hold the light to my TRP.

My friend has a MC Operator currently. He likes it , but he has told me several times that he would like to trade it for a TRP. He continually asks me if I will sell my TRP to him, but I won't.

Just from my experience with the TRPs and the MCs, The TRPs are more accurate, have tighter tolerances, more hand fitting, and more TLC.
I like the 20lpi front strap, but it is very aggressive and will give you "man hands". I changed out the FLGR and installed a GI set up.
The only problem I had with my TRP was when the ejector fell out when I disassembled it. The pistol still functioned fine. I sent it back to Springfield on their dollar and they fixed it the way I requested. Springfield's customer service and warranty is great !!!!

I don't have any experience with the stainless steel version of the TRP. I am like you though, I am not a fan of stainless pistols. The matte stainless TRP is one of the exceptions though. It isn't shiny or flashy. It has more of a business look to it, which I like. I would like to have a stainless TRP, but can't afford it and can't justify it.
If I were you, I would get the TRP.
Just make sure you can deal with the 20lpi front strap first.

bigflax925

June 2, 2010, 04:54 PM

Thanks for your thoughts, all!

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